"The key isn't the system itself, but how the players adapt on the pitch. It doesn't matter if it's 4-3-3 or 4-4-2, it's the role of the players that counts." Rafa Benitez
Really good today - hopefully the return of the real Sadio.
Looks like a different player with fans. Very tidy performance.
I think the crowd coming back was enjoyed by all the players. We just passed the ball so much quicker. Took fewer touches and Sadio benefited massively. He was getting on the ball earlier in the move and that makes him much harder to defend against.
Maybe he just needs a crowd…
That's all about the crowd,the players listen to the warnings and that gives them the crucial extra time to compose and move it on.
Yeah, I think it is about the adrenaline as well. Matches without fans are just glorified training sessions. We really stepped it up today, moved the ball quicker and probably made more one touch passes than we have done in months.